Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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New York and New Jersey Campaigns, 1776
A series of Revolutionary War military actions in which British forces gained control over New York and New Jersey
Event
Founding the New-York Manumission Society, 1785
Establishing an organization to advocate gradual abolition of slavery, educate free Black people, and prevent them from being sold into slavery
Event
Thomas Jefferson on Manumitting Slaves, 1789
Letter sent from Paris reflecting on freeing slaves—revealing his conflicting beliefs on liberty and equality amid the revolution
Supporting Document
John Adams
A leading proponent of independence, a congressman, a diplomat, and the second President of the United States
Person
Richard Allen
Prominent Philadelphia advocate for abolition and civil rights and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Person
![Benjamin Banneker, from the title page of "Benjamin Bannaker's [sic] Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Almanac, for the Year of Our Lord 1795" (Maryland Historical Society)](/sites/default/files/styles/research_thumbnail/public/2023-10/ms2700_banneker2RET.png.webp?itok=xv1YyBkk)
Angelica Schuyler Church
The charming, intelligent, politically active oldest daughter of Philip Schuyler and sister of Elizabeth Hamilton
Person
Paul Cuffe
Black and Wampanoag businessman and shipbuilder who advocated for abolition, civil rights, and African colonization
Person